Q34 E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Write the condensed structures of both isomers with the formula C₂H₆O. Label the functional group of each isomer.      

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Isomers of the given compound:

Step 1: Isomers

The given molecular formula is C₂H₆O. It has two isomers. It can exist in alcohol or ether forms. Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms.

Step 2: Ethanol

The first isomer is ethanol:

It's alcohol that comes from ethane, where the -OH group replaces one H atom.

Its structure is

 

Step 3: Methoxymethane

The second isomer is dimethyl ether:

It's an ether that has two methyl groups bonded to its oxygen atom.

It's the simplest ether known.